Study examines financial impact of MSDs on workers

Rosemont, IL – Medical treatment that restores physical function, such as knee and hip surgery, may help ease the monetary burdens of musculoskeletal disorders on American society, according to a study from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Researchers used data on more than 185,000 people from the National Health Interview Survey to examine the economic impact of musculoskeletal disorders. They found an association between improved physical function following surgery and economic criteria such as employment, higher household income, fewer missed workdays and lower likelihood of receiving disability income, the study states.

The study was published online March 15 in the journal Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation.